Joey Votto is only two days into the 2020 season, so everything is a bit of an overreaction to this point, but he sure looks a lot more like the hitter who dominated the National League in 2017.
Votto has four hits and two homers in eight at-bats, plus a walk. It’s the first time in his 14-year career that he’s homered in each of the first two games. Even when he’s not reaching base, his swing looks strong. He’s lined into two double plays at first base.
When Votto reflected on his at-bats during the Reds’ 7-1 Opening Day win over the Detroit Tigers, he saw two really encouraging signs.